Gas Appliance Safety

Natural gas appliances are not only economical and efficient, they are safe, too. Like all appliances,
they must be used properly. Natural gas heaters, dryers, water heaters and ranges will give many years of
safe, economical service if a few simple guidelines are followed.

Natural gas appliances should be installed and maintained by qualified service personnel
according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Natural gas appliances should only be used for their intended purpose. (Do not use gas
appliances such as an oven, range or clothes dryer to heat the home.)

Keep aerosols, paper, boxes and other combustible items away from open flames,
like that on natural gas appliances.

Have the furnace checked by a professional every year before cold weather begins.
Inspections should include:

Check vent pipes for cracks, leaks and sufficient venting.

Inspect internal components for excessive wear or damage and replace or repair as necessary.

Gas Appliance Connectors
Gas connectors are corrugated metal tubes used to connect gas appliances in the
home to natural gas supply pipes. Some older, uncoated brass connectors may have a
serious flaw in the end pieces, and over time, can separate from the tubing and cause a
serious gas leak, explosion or fire.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, these uncoated connectors have not
been made for more than 20 years, but many are still in use. Although not all uncoated
connectors have this flaw, it is very difficult to determine which ones do.

Therefore, any uncoated brass connector should be replaced immediately with a new plastic-coated
brass or stainless steel connector. Connectors can wear out from too much moving, bending or
corrosion and should be replaced whenever the appliance is moved or relocated.
Warning: Only a qualified professional plumber, HVAC or appliance repair contractor should
inspect and, if needed, replace your connector. Moving the appliance, even slightly, can
cause the complete failure of one of these older, weakened connectors and possible result
in a deadly fire or explosion.

Pilot Lights
Many older gas appliances have a small, continuously burning gas flame, the pilot light, that
ignites the main burner. Newer models have electric igniters. It is important to know which
appliances have a pilot light and always refer to the manufacturer's relighting instructions
or call a heating equipment professional to relight the pilot light.

Responsibility for Gas Piping
The customer is responsible for the maintenance of all gas piping from the gas meter to all
gas appliances. Buried gas piping that is not maintained is subject to potential hazards of
corrosion and leakage.

For your safety, all buried gas piping should be periodically inspected for leaks. If the buried
piping is metallic, it should also be periodically inspected for corrosion. If an unsafe condition
is found, the gas piping will need to be promptly repaired by a qualified professional plumber,
HVAC or appliance repair contractor.

When digging near buried gas piping, the piping must be located in advance by calling 8-1-1
or your local One-Call Center at least two full working days prior to digging. Digging should
always be done by hand. Click here for more information on the Call Before You Dig process.